Dylan Mulvaney received this year’s Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year award with The Trevor Project.
In its third year, the award — previously presented to Lil Nas X and Janelle Monáe — celebrates those who use their platforms to make the world a safer place for LGBTQ+ youth.
Mulvaney, 26, a trans TikTok star and activist, has long been vocal about LGBTQ+ rights and has shared her transition journey with her audience through the “Days of Girlhood” series. Through each of her videos, Mulvaney shines a light on exactly what she’s been going through—the highs and the lows—and shines a light on a topic that some of her viewers may not be familiar with. Most importantly, she fought to increase trans allyship and awareness and helped show struggling LGBTQ+ teenagers that things are getting better.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty
When Mulvaney accepted the Streamy Award for Creative Achievement last month, she used her acceptance speech to call on allies “to publicly and proudly support trans people.”
She went on to tell PEOPLE backstage after her win that it was the “best moment” of her year so far, adding, “It just means a lot to me, but I also think that the fact that a trans person can win an award like this in such a scary time of transphobia — I feel there is hope.”
“I am deeply honored to accept the Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year award,” Mulvaney said in a press release. “Trevor’s life-saving work holds a special place in my heart as it is a lifeline to many who struggle with their identity and may not feel accepted as their authentic self. To anyone who feels lost or afraid, I want you to know that you are incredibly loved and that there is light after moments of darkness. Always remember that you are never alone, you are perfect just the way you are, and organizations like The Trevor Project are here to provide a safe space to talk whenever you need it, 24/7.”
Mulvaney went on to say that she is “so proud” to be part of a community that is “tirelessly fighting” for a better tomorrow.
“This award is for all of us,” she added. “Let’s continue to work together to uplift and empower LGBTQ young people and create a world where no young person ever feels that hope is out of reach.”
Janelle Monáe Receives 2022 Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Advocate Award: ‘Your Life Matters’
Lil Nas X honored with Inaugural Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award
“In a world where LGBTQ youth all too often face adversity and discrimination, Dylan Mulvaney is a source of light and hope, reminding us that there is strength in unity and power in vulnerability,” said Kevin Wong (he/him), Senior Vice President of Marketing, communications and content for The Trevor Project.
“Through his continued advocacy work and unrelenting celebration of their trans identity, Dylan is a role model of opportunity for LGBTQ young people to imagine a world for themselves in which they can be happy, successful, and thrive openly and authentically. By letting us on his personal journey and showing all the beautiful parts of the trans experience, Dylan is inspiring a new generation of LGBTQ young people to fully love themselves and we are honored to celebrate them with this award.”
Donate to The Trevor Project via Mulvaney’s charity page here.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the crisis line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help or by texting START to 678678.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education